Duke lowering state flag for Angelou

On Saturday, Duke University lowers the state flag to half-staff from sunrise until sunset to honor Maya Angelou, the celebrated poet and activist who welcomed new undergraduate classes during orientation week with a special address for more than two decades.

The university is acting on the request of Gov. Pat McCrory, who called Angelou "a giant in every endeavor she chose to devote her talents." It comes as First Lady Michelle Obama and other dignitaries gather for a memorial service at Wake Forest University.

"She counseled presidents and hostoric figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.," McCrory said. "Yet, she'll be remembered most for her compassion for people around the world, regardless of their station in life. Maya Angelou was a tremendous source of pride for North Carolina and her adopted state is grieving her loss."